3 Ways to Take the Stress Out of Dating

I love dating. I even think bad dates are kind of fun. Hey, at least you get a good story out of it! But for a lot of people, new relationships are super nerve-racking and fraught with anxiety. If these emotions sound familiar, read on for some advice that will help you chillax!

1. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.

If living in New York has taught me one thing, it’s that no matter who you are, or what you’re into, there’s someone out there who will love you for it. Don’t cheer for the Lakers when you're a Pistons fan. Don't feign an obsession with veganism if you adore BBQ. Isn’t the whole point of dating to find someone who likes you for you? Besides, keeping up a facade is exhausting and ultimately, it just plain old doesn't work.

2. Remember that he isn’t the only guy left on planet Earth.

It's all too easy to justify a guy’s flaws and overlook red flags that are too big to ignore. Sure, you should give him a fair chance. But don’t rationalize all of his behavior just because you want him to be The One.

3. Live in the now!

It can be hard to get our naturally florid imaginations under control when we meet someone dreamy. But avoid mentally planning your wedding during your second date. Otherwise, you’ll hold the relationship to an impossible standard. If you let go of some arbitrary timeline, you’ll also free yourself of a ton of stress and allow the romance to unfold organically!

Does dating stress you out? What's the most taxing aspect? Will you give these tips a whirl? Do you have any others to add?